UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 7 November 2024

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

 

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Urbanization, their problems and their remedies

Q1. “Informal settlements are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts”. Discuss the socio-economic factors that contribute to this vulnerability and suggest ways to address them. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: DTE

Why the Question

Quarter of global urban population to face 0.5 degrees of temperature increase by 2040 as per World Cities Report 2024.

Key Demand of the Question

Explain why informal settlements are more exposed to climate change impacts. Identify the socio-economic factors that increase this vulnerability. Suggest practical ways to reduce these vulnerabilities and enhance resilience.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction

Briefly introduce informal settlements and their significance in urban contexts. Mention their increased susceptibility to climate change impacts due to specific conditions.

Body

  • Write in brief about vulnerability of informal settlements to climate chnage
  • Factors contributing to vulnerability: Outline socio-economic factors such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to resources, low income, poor health conditions, and lack of protective measures.
  • Addressing vulnerabilities: Suggest steps like improving infrastructure, promoting affordable climate-resilient housing, community engagement, better policy support, and financial inclusion.

Conclusion

Conclude with the need for inclusive urban planning that prioritizes climate resilience in informal settlements.

 

Topic: Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries.

Q2. Examine the geographical distribution of palm oil production globally, highlighting the factors responsible for its concentration in specific regions. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Easy

Reference: TH

Why the Question

India’s October palm oil imports hit 3-month high on festive demand.

Key Demand of the Question

Identify and describe the major regions involved in palm oil production globally. Explain the geographical and economic factors that concentrate production in certain regions.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Briefly mention palm oil’s importance in the global economy and its reliance on specific geographical conditions.

Body

  • Geographical Distribution: Outline the main producing regions, primarily Southeast Asia (Indonesia and Malaysia), followed by emerging regions like Africa and Latin America.
  • Factors for Concentration: Discuss factors like climate (tropical conditions), soil suitability, economic policies, labor availability, and the economic role of palm oil exports.

Conclusion

Conclude with a brief note on the environmental challenges and the need for sustainable production practices in these regions.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: India- EU

Q3. Evaluate the impact of the EU’s Green Deal on India-EU cooperation in climate action and the renewable energy sector. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question

The question is relevant due to the EU’s Green Deal and its global influence on climate policies. It reflects on India-EU bilateral ties and the potential for collaboration in sustainable development, particularly in the context of climate action and renewable energy.

Key Demand of the Question

Analyze how the EU’s Green Deal shapes India-EU cooperation, focusing on both opportunities and challenges for joint climate initiatives and renewable energy projects.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Briefly introduce the EU Green Deal and its goal to make Europe carbon-neutral by 2050. Mention India’s climate ambitions to provide a foundation for collaborative efforts.

Body

  • Positive impact of the Green Deal: Highlight areas where the Green Deal aligns with India’s renewable energy goals, such as technology transfer, joint investments, and research collaboration in solar, wind, and hydrogen energy.
  • Challenges or constraints: Address issues like differing regulatory standards, potential trade barriers (e.g., Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism), and financing concerns.

Conclusion

Conclude with a forward-looking statement on the potential of India-EU collaboration under the Green Deal to lead sustainable initiatives and enhance climate resilience, benefitting both regions.

 

Topic: India- Russia

Q4. “The India-Russia relationship is rooted in historical defence ties, but it must adapt to modern economic and geopolitical realities”. Discuss

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question

This question highlights the traditional defence-based India-Russia relationship and prompts an evaluation of how it should evolve in response to today’s economic, strategic, and geopolitical shifts.

Key Demand of the Question

Analyze the foundational defence ties between India and Russia, discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in the modern context, and suggest areas for adaptive cooperation.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Briefly introduce the historical significance of India-Russia defence cooperation and its foundational role in bilateral relations.

Body

  • Defence Legacy and Strategic Importance: Outline the role of historical defence ties, including key defence agreements and their impact on India’s security.
  • Need for Economic Diversification: Highlight economic sectors where India and Russia can expand cooperation beyond defence, such as energy, technology, and trade.
  • Geopolitical Challenges: Examine external factors, including Russia-China alignment and India’s multi-alignment strategy, impacting this relationship.
  • Pathways for Modernizing Ties: Suggest strategies to diversify and future-proof the partnership, balancing defence with other sectors.

Conclusion

Conclude with a forward-looking statement on the importance of recalibrating India-Russia ties to maintain their strategic relevance in a multipolar world.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations

Q5. Examine the financial and operational constraints of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in fulfilling its mandate. How can increased government investment and capacity expansion address these challenges effectively? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the Question

Centre infuses equity of ₹10,700 crore in Food Corporation of India.

Key Demand of the Question

Identify and explain financial and operational constraints of the FCI in fulfilling its mandate. Discuss how government investment and capacity expansion can effectively resolve these challenges.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Briefly introduce the role of the FCI in ensuring food security and supporting agricultural markets.

Body

  • Financial Constraints: Outline FCI’s dependence on borrowing, subsidy pressures, and high operational costs.
  • Operational Constraints: Discuss issues like limited storage capacity, delays in procurement, and logistics challenges.
  • Role of Government Investment: Explain how increased funding reduces borrowing needs and enhances fiscal health.
  • Capacity Expansion: Discuss how enhancing storage and procurement capabilities can improve FCI’s efficiency and reduce wastage.

Conclusion

Emphasize how addressing these constraints through investment and expansion will enhance food security and benefit farmers.

 

Topic. : Awareness in Bio-Tech

Q6. Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. How does it differ from DNA editing in terms of safety and efficacy? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Reference: TH

Why the Question

A biotechnology company named Wave Life Sciences made headlines for becoming the first company to treat a genetic condition by editing RNA at the clinical level.

Key Demand of the Question

Describe the potential applications of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. Explain differences between RNA and DNA editing with respect to safety and efficacy.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Briefly introduce RNA editing and its emerging role in gene therapy for genetic disorders.

Body

  • Potential of RNA Editing: Outline the ability of RNA editing to treat conditions by correcting mRNA errors without altering the DNA.
  • Differences in Safety and Efficacy: Explain how RNA editing is generally safer due to its temporary effects and lower immune response, while DNA editing is more permanent and potentially riskier but has a lasting impact.

Conclusion

Conclude with a brief note on the promise of RNA editing as a flexible, reversible approach for gene therapy with an emphasis on patient safety.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Q7. To what extent should public figures be accountable for their actions in personal and family matters when they have implications for public resources? Discuss the ethical balance between public duty and private life. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the Question

The ethical responsibilities of public figures in maintaining accountability and transparency, even in personal matters that intersect with public interests. It assesses the balance they must strike between public duty and private life.

Key Demand of the Question

Examine the extent to which public figures are accountable in personal matters impacting public resources and explore the ethical balance between upholding public responsibilities and respecting privacy.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Introduce the unique ethical expectations of public figures and the importance of maintaining public trust through accountable behaviour in both public and private spheres.

Body

  • Public Accountability in Personal Matters: Discuss why public figures must be accountable if personal actions influence public resources or welfare.
  • Transparency for Trust: Briefly outline how transparency in such matters is essential to preserve public confidence and institutional integrity.
  • Balancing Privacy and Duty: Mention the ethical limits on privacy for public figures, emphasizing the need for scrutiny when personal actions impact public interests.
  • Guiding Ethical Standards: Highlight the role of codes of conduct or ethical guidelines in managing personal matters with public implications.

Conclusion

Conclude by emphasizing that public figures must uphold transparency and integrity, ensuring personal actions align with their public duty to maintain public trust.

 


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